The Boston Red Sox are off to a hot start because multiple players have stepped up, and they have played relatively mistake-free baseball.
John Farrell has made a difference, but quality pitching from all five starters and one of baseball’s best bullpens is the real reason why the Red Sox went 18-8 in April.
Here are my grades for every player who contributed to the hot start in Boston.
The Red Sox won a pitching duel in their home opener.
Thanks to a Daniel Nava home run and a phenomenal performance from Clay Buchholz, the Fenway faithful witnessed the ninth straight win on Opening Day in Boston.
Unlike the last two seasons, the Red Sox came home to Fenway with a winning record. After beating Baltimore 3-1, they are tied with Oakland and Texas for the best record in the AL at 5-2.
Here is my three up, three down for the home opener against the Orioles.
Usually there isn’t much hype for the Boston Red Sox’s first game against the Toronto Blue Jays, but with John Farrell making his first appearance in Toronto since he left the Canadian organization, there were plenty of storylines.
Aside from Farrell’s return, it marked the first time the Red Sox would face the recently restocked Blue Jays.
The Red Sox managed to go on the road and get their third win of the season.
Here is my “Three Up, Three Down” for Boston’s first game against the Blue Jays.
The Boston Red Sox made several free-agent signings so far this offseason. The moves have transformed the team from losers to borderline contenders in 2013.
However, if Ben Cherington truly wants to get back to playing in October, he will have to make at least one significant trade.
The Red Sox still have holes to fill for both the short and long term.
Fortunately, the farm system seems to be somewhat stocked with talent that is close to major league-ready.
This talent allows them to make trades for impact players.
Here are three trades that will help the Red Sox get back to playing October baseball in 2013 and for years to come.
The Boston Red Sox have a glaring hole at shortstop.
Acquiring Asdrubal Cabrera would provide a major upgrade both in the field and at the plate.
While Cuban prospect Jose Iglesias may be ready as a fielder, he is not a competent major league hitter.
Cabrera is proven and would solve a major problem for the team in 2013.
Here are five reasons why trading for Asdrubal Cabrera would be a great move for the Red Sox.